Methods and devices for intrauterine absorption
AssigneeDenise H. Miller
InventorDenise H. Miller
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention comprises methods and devices for collection of fluids, including cells and cellular materials, from the uterus. A device of the present invention comprises a central tubing member to which, at least, a flexible tubing member and an absorbable member are connected at least at one point. The absorbable member is connected to at least one portion of the central tubing member and to at least one portion of the flexible tubing member. The devices of the present invention are useful in methods of collection of uterine fluids, including blood, cells and cellular material.
Claims19
A method for intrauterine collection of uterine fluids, comprising,
- a) placing a device comprising a central tubing member, a flexible tubing member and an absorbent member, within a uterus of a mammal;
- b) maintaining the device within the uterus for a predetermined time, during which uterine fluids are collected by the device;
- and
- c) removing a portion of the collected uterine fluids from the device,
- wherein the device is maintained within the uterus for more than one day.
A device for collection of uterine fluids, comprising:
- a central tubing member being configured to expand in diameter to retain uterine fluids, the central tubing member comprises a closed distal end and a proximal end having an access site that is configured to permit access to an interior of the central tubing member for removal of retained fluids when the device is inside a uterus of a mammal, wherein said interior of the central tubing member forms a reservoir for uterine fluid retention;
- a flexible tubing member attached to the central tubing member and is in fluid connection with the central tubing member through at least one opening;
- said flexible tubing member being configured to expand laterally and outwardly from the central tubing member;
- and
- an absorbent member attached to one or both of the central tubing member and the flexible tubing member, wherein the absorbent member is configured to transfer uterine fluids into the flexible tubing member;
- wherein the device is configured to be maintained within the uterus for more than one day.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.